A Group of 442 - Nickel

[NCBeagle]

I have a soft spot for the very late 1980s-early 1990s J frames and have a pile of the “no dash” 442, 642, 637, 638, and 042. It’s sort of a transition between the overtly attractive blued and nickel snubs and the more recent (mid-1990s forward) matte and stainless finishes. Also like the smooth faced triggers, no lock, etc. Also, non-magnum frame and regular frame lug, forged internals.

I really like the 442 in blued/ black or satin nickel. Here are three satin nickel 442 that shipped in the 1993-94 range. This would have been near the end of satin nickel production.

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[75Vette]

And I thought all 442s were matte black. Your post prompted me to break out the 4th edition. I learned something new.
Good looking trio.

 

[NCBeagle]

And I thought all 442s were matte black. Your post prompted me to break out the 4th edition. I learned something new.

Good looking trio.

If you like these ...check out the first run of “no dash” 642, 637, and 638 with the clear anodized finish. Stunning.


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[ContinentalOp]

I've got a 642ND that I bought in the mid-90s. Very nice snub. It's had an action job so the trigger pull is very nice. It's on stand-by status while my 642-1 gets the actual use, though I have put it into service from time to time.

Found a (not so good) picture. Can you tell which is which?

 

[NCBeagle]

I’ll post a 642, 637, 638 “no dash” line up later”


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[GerSan69]

Found a (not so good) picture. Can you tell which is which?

That's easy. The older one is on the left. Old-style frame lug.
A couple of beauties there!

 

[NCBeagle]

I don’t have the skill to properly photograph the clear anodized finish. Looks a whole lot better in person.

642, 637, and 638 no dash

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[Jeppo]

Mr. Beagle and a confused Jeppo

And I thought all 442s were matte black. Your post prompted me to break out the 4th edition. I learned something new.
Good looking trio.

Actually, some responsibility for my impending bankruptcy is Mr. Beagle’s. He helped fuel my Smith addiction and tipped me off to these unusual 442’s. I bought mine, I believe maybe from another member here, with only one cylinder fired.

As a joke, I circulated a photo among local gun enthusiasts. The photo had a “normal, current production” black 442 on the left and my older nickel 442 on the right. The caption was, “I get confused, which is the 442?”. Of course it was a trick.

ALL the “experts” indicated the left one and that the other was OBVIOUSLY a 642; surely many of them snickering at my stupidity.

 

[Peak53]

Oh carp! Now I need one of those, too?

 

[Jeppo]

As a joke, I circulated a photo among local gun enthusiasts. The photo had a “normal, current production” black 442 on the left and my older nickel 442 on the right. The caption was, “I get confused, which is the 442?”. Of course it was a trick.

ALL the “experts” indicated the left one and that the other was OBVIOUSLY a 642; surely many of them snickering at my stupidity.

 

[SAFireman]

Those are a neat bunch. Next you are going to tell us that you have a stash of 042's to post as well???

 

[ContinentalOp]

Always wanted one of those 042s. Of course, the 640ND is still my grail gun. Someday...*sigh*

 

[NCBeagle]

Those are a neat bunch. Next you are going to tell us that you have a stash of 042's to post as well???

No stash of 042 but this one nice example with box and docs. Looking for another in rougher shape.

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[NCBeagle]

Always wanted one of those 042s. Of course, the 640ND is still my grail gun. Someday...*sigh*

I don’t have a 640 (no dash)...but scored a 640-2. This was made for NYPD. It is built on the J Magnum frame but chambered only in .38 Spl with an underlug and frosted finish. It’s a great shooter and carry pistol.

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